The rich and comforting flavors of Chicken Carbonara are complemented by the intriguing psychological depth of "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides and the sparkling effervescence of a classic Bellini. Both the novel and beverage add layers of experience to the indulgent Italian dish through suspense and refreshing sips, making this pairing an outstanding choice for a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta or bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, add the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return the cooked pancetta and chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- Add Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to ensure the eggs don’t scramble. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season and Serve: Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
The Silent Patient
"The Silent Patient" is a gripping psychological thriller about a woman named Alicia Berenson who kills her husband and subsequently stops speaking. The plot delves into the mind of the protagonist and the psychotherapist determined to make her talk again, unraveling many secrets along the way.
**THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** "An unforgettable—and Hollywood-bound—new thriller… A mix of Hitchcockian suspense, Agatha Christie plotting, and Greek tragedy." —Entertainment Weekly The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive. Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word. Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London. Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him….
Discussion Questions
- What were your initial thoughts on Alicia’s silence?
- How do you think Theo’s past influenced his actions in the book?
- Discuss the themes of trust and betrayal in the novel.
- How does the author use symbolism through art in the story?
- Do you think the ending was justified? Why or why not?
- How did the setting contribute to the mood of the novel?
- What role does mental health play in the book’s narrative?
- How did you feel about the pace of the plot progression?
- Which character do you think showed the most development?
- What aspects of the novel do you think were most shocking or surprising?
Authors:
Alex Michaelides
ISBN: 1250301696
Publisher: Celadon Books
Published Date: 2019-02-05
Classic Bellini
The Bellini, a refreshing and delightful cocktail combining the sweetness of peach purée with the effervescence of Prosecco, offers a fruity contrast to the rich Chicken Carbonara. Its simplicity and elegance make it a perfect complement for an Italian-themed dinner, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh peach purée or peach nectar
- 4 oz chilled Prosecco
Instructions
- Pour the peach purée into a champagne flute.
- Slowly top with chilled Prosecco, stirring gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy with your meal.